A quiet dinner for 2. White table cloths. We start off with sips of Chardonnay while waiting for our first course to arrive, all the while enjoying the classical music playing softly in the background.

CUE THE RECORD SCRATCH.

Camera wipes to scene of a blazing hibachi grill, sizzling plates of skewered meat being delivered to tables, servers and chefs welcoming their guests with yells that would wake the dead, and the latest Japanese pop tunes blasting over the PA. You are at Shin Sen Gumi in Fountain Valley.

What’s not to love?

Spinach with Black Sesame Sauce

Soft Shell Crab

Pork Belly, Chicken Cartilage, and Chicken Something

Chicken Meatballs

Chicken Skin, Pork Wrapped Okra, Chicken Heart and Chicken Something

Fried Octopus

Pork Wrapped Asparagus

Grilled Pig’s Feet

It seems like a long time since we’ve been here, maybe about 2 months or so. Having a newborn tends to do that. For now, I guess I’ll have to trade the servers’ screams for our baby’s screams.